defensive
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defensive
Aimed at defense, protection, or warding something off. This can refer to a style of play in sports, a military strategy, or behavior.
Nach dem Führungstor spielte die Mannschaft sehr defensiv, um das Ergebnis zu halten.
After taking the lead, the team played very defensively in order to hold the result.
defensive
A guarded or self-justifying attitude in response to criticism or a perceived attack.
Er reagierte sofort defensiv, als ich ihn auf seinen Fehler ansprach.
He reacted defensively right away when I brought up his mistake.
The ending '-iv' is typical of adjectives that come from Latin. It often describes a quality or a basic orientation.
Seine defensive Haltung macht eine Diskussion schwierig.
His defensive attitude makes a discussion difficult.
The meaning of the word depends strongly on the context. In sports, it describes a tactic (defense); in communication, a defensive reaction to criticism.
Die Mannschaft wählte eine sehr defensive Strategie.
The team chose a very defensive strategy.
In a sports context, 'defensiv' (defensive) is often combined with verbs like 'spielen' (to play), 'sich verhalten' (to behave), or 'aufstellen' (to line up/set up), and nouns like 'Taktik' (tactic) or 'Spielweise' (style of play).
Der Trainer forderte eine defensivere Spielweise.
The coach called for a more defensive style of play.
When referring to a personal reaction, 'defensiv' (defensive) is often used with verbs like 'reagieren' (to react), 'werden' (to become/get), or nouns like 'Haltung' (attitude).
Bitte werde nicht gleich defensiv, es war nur eine Frage.
Please don't get defensive right away; it was just a question.
dismissive / repellent
Both defensiv and abweisend can make approaching someone more difficult. Defensiv describes a defensive or self-justifying reaction to criticism or a perceived attack. Abweisend, by contrast, describes cool, unfriendly behavior toward a person that rejects contact.
Als ich seine Entscheidung kritisierte, reagierte er defensiv und erklärte sich sofort.
When I criticized his decision, he reacted defensively and immediately began justifying himself.
Als ich freundlich ein Gespräch begann, reagierte er abweisend und wandte sich ab.
When I began a conversation in a friendly way, he reacted dismissively and turned away.
